Albert Reynolds

Albert Reynolds (3 November 1932-21 August 2014) was Taoiseach of Ireland from 11 February 1992 to 15 December 1994, succeeding Charles Haughey and preceding John Bruton. He was a member of Fianna Fail.

Biography
Albert Reynolds was born in Roosky, County Roscommon, Ireland in 1932, and he spent many years as a businessman. He was first elected to the Dail Eireann in 1977 as the Fianna Fail member for Longford. He was Minister for Posts and Telegraphs from 1979 to 1982, for Transport from 1979 to 1982, for Industry and Energy in 1982, Industry and Commerce from 1987 to 1988, and Finance from 1988 to 1991. He replaced Charles Haughey as leader of the party in February 1992. His administration saw the passage of the Maastricht Referendum in June 1992 and the signing of the Downing Street Declaration in 1993. He led Fianna Fail to an electoral victory in January 1993, and formed a coalition with the Irish Labor Party. He continued in his involvement in the Northern Ireland peace process, and his public acceptance of Gerry Adams as the legitimate spokesperson of the Catholic community in Northern Ireland encouraged the IRA to declare a ceasefire which began on 30 August 1994 (lasting until 9 February 1996). Labor pulled out of the coalition on 16 November 1994 in disagreement over a judicial appointment to the presidency of the high court. Reynolds resigned, and was succeeded by John Bruton.